I was at our local mall just yesterday and saw no obvious indications of imminent Santa-fication, but I am willing to bet that they’ll be hanging the garland and the giant snowflakes by the time my birthday rolls around (August 27, for those who are joining us late).

My blog-buddy “Going Like Sixty” says he’s figured out a way to game those Coinstar change machines you find in supermarkets: go to the customer service counter and cash in two $20 bills for quarters, pump the quarters into the Coinstar machine and get an “eCertificate” from one of a number of popular retailers that includes a $10 rebate on your purchase. Even after you calculate out the fee Coinstar charges, you’re still ahead of the game by about 8 bucks. Makes Christmas shopping more like a trip to Vegas!